SGNN GoodNews

Teaching kindness beyond the classroom

A High School teacher from the Cape Flats and his family have raised more than R175 000 over a period of more than 10 years for children’s hospitals in the Cape. Gerry Smeda is a History teacher at the Heathfield High School. He has been there, teaching learners, since 2005.

For the past few years over the festive seasons, he has been using his house to raise funds for children’s hospitals. He decorates his house with colourful lights and trimmings where people are invited to view Santa’s House in Muller Street, in Kuilsriver. They are then encouraged to leave a small donation, which Smeda makes sure, goes to the hospital in need that year.

Speaking to Smeda, he said his main reason for doing this, is to help the children in need, and added that he loves seeing smiles on their faces.

Smeda is of firm belief that blessings will rain down on you, if you do good deeds. He advocates giving back to the community and doesn’t only raise funds for hospitals, but he also regularly hands out food and toys for kids. Several shops in his Northern Suburbs hometown support him with donations.

Earlier this year, he was in a parking lot and noticed a female car guard, who had her child with her. He immediately jumped into action finding a toy for the child to play with, while giving them both food.

He is also setting a good example as the head of the Smeda household. His family fully supports him and are also involved in his good deeds. They often join him when he goes out to hand over donations.

The teacher says by giving back, you improve your community and you help your fellow human beings.